Solar-Charging for the Trail
The Voltaic solar backpack is a mobile power generator designed to charge small electronic devices without tying into a power outlet, which makes it ideal for trail rides. Just plug a standard car charger into the bag and recharge most small electronic devices including cell phones, digital cameras, two-way radios, PDAs, and MP3 players. If you don't have a car charger, the bags come with a set of 11 standard adapters for common cell phones and other devices. Voltaic also offers a full range of optional adapters. Embedded in the outside of the bags are three waterproof solar panels which generate up to 4 watts of power. Included with each pack is a Li Ion battery pack, which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it-not just when the sun is up. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included). Info: www.voltaicsystems.com
New Intakes for Ford Rangers
Own a '97-'04 Ranger with the 4.0L V-6? If so, we suggest you check out AEM's new Brute Force intakes. We installed a similar one on our Project Frontier NISMO last year, and found that AEM's claimed horsepower gains were spot-on. We like that they come with an oil-free Dryflow synthetic air filter too. We also dig the distinctive sound these intakes make-you know, the sound that lets others know they just got smoked off the line. Info: 310/484-2322, www.aempower.com
A New Type of Heat Shielding
Design Engineering's Floor and Tunnel Shields are engineered to provide better insulation performance than any currently available metal-type shielding. This stuff can withstand temperatures as high as 1,750 degrees Fahrenheit while reflecting almost 90 percent of the heat. These shields also are ideally suited for use in space-limited areas such as firewalls, transmission tunnels, and spaces between exhaust pipes and fuel tanks. Simply peel and stick-no special tools or adhesives are required. This product also works great as a sound deadener. Info: 800/264-9472, www.designengineering.com
N2 Compatible Regulator
Check out the XP300 regulator from Powertank. It's designed for rigs with coilovers and/or remote-reservoir shocks. It connects to any standard nitrogen cylinder or CO2 tank and allows regulated filling from zero to 300 psi. This means you can get awesome speed and volume advantages from CO2 tanks for tire inflation and air tools while being able to pressurize nitrogen shocks with the same regulator. Included are glycerin-filled gauges for long-lasting performance in even the harshest of conditions. Info: 209/366-2163, www.powertank.com
More Power for Ford 4.6L and 5.4L V-8s
Edelbrock now offers a 75mm replacement throttle body for F-150, F-250, Expedition, Navigator, Mountaineer, Blackwood, and Excursion trucks. This simple swap is one of the easiest ways to increase performance after you've done the standard intake, header, and exhaust upgrades. We like them because they are a direct bolt-on and require no special tools to install. Built in the U.S., these throttle bodies are made of cast-aluminum and include a preset throttle position sensor. Info: 310/781-2222, www.edelbrock.com
The Cool Connection
The Cool Hose, designed and built exclusively by Diesel Power Products, improves air supply between the air-intake system and the turbocharger inlet on all '03-'06 Dodge Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins turbodiesel. The hose features four layers of webbing for strength with a completely smooth silicone interior. The Cool Hose also insulates your cool intake air from heat transfer resulting from underhood heat, keeping your intake air as cool as possible. Info: 866/379-8685, www.dieselpowerproducts.com